Mushrooms, homemade explosive found in Iowa City residence

Explosive device prompts response from Johnson County Bomb Squad

IOWA CITY, Iowa  Psilocybin mushrooms and a homemade explosive were discovered in an Iowa City man’s residence.

According to Iowa City police criminal complaints, members of the Johnson County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at 624 Brookland Park Drive in Iowa City at 7 p.m. Thursday. Police said the residence is occupied by 24-year-old Paul F. Lee.

While searching the residence, police said they found a large red tube with a fuse. Lee admitted the tube was explosive, prompting a response from the Johnson County Bomb Squad. The bomb squad neutralized the bomb and said it contained a homemade high explosive, according to criminal complaints.

Police said they searched Lee and found a tin foil packet in his pocket. The foil contained what appeared to be psilocybin mushrooms. Lee admitted the contents of the foil were mushrooms.

While taking items from the residence, investigators left behind a bag containing Lee’s phone. When police came back for the bag, Lee denied knowing where it was and told the investigators he threw it in the river. Lee’s phone was found wrapped up in a pair of underwear, police said.

Lee was arrested and faces charges of possession of a controlled substance - second offense; possession of an incendiary or explosive device; and obstructing prosecution. All three offenses are aggravated misdemeanors.